Assessment of Sustainable Energy Potential of Non- Plantation Biomass Resources in Sameakki Meanchey District in Kampong Chhnang Province, Cambodia

Abstract

Biomass has always been a major source of energy for mankind, and accounts for about 14% of the world’s total energy supply. Biomass is a clean energy resource, considered neutral on CO₂ emissions, that has a high potential for meeting increasing energy demands as a substitute for fossil fuels. Biomass energy sources are abundant in Cambodia. We assess the energy potential of the following non-plantation biomass resources: (1) agricultural residues, (2) animal manure. The production of agricultural residues and animal manure was based on the production of crops obtained from the National Census 2008 and one study site. This information was categorized into: (i) primary residues (paddy straw, sugarcane tops, maize stalks, empty coconut bunches and fronds, palm oil fronds and male bunches etc.) and, (ii) secondary residues (paddy husks, bagasse, maize cobs, coconut shells, coconut husks, coir dust, saw dust, palm oil shells, fiber and empty bunches, etc.), and (iii) animal manure. The estimation of residue generated can be calculated from the residue to product ratio (RPR). To estimate the potential for deriving additional energy from a residue, it is important to establish the present utilization pattern of the residue. The results of energy potential analysis indicate that agricultural residues could have produced 212.11 GJ in 2010. The total annual potential of biogas from animal manure in 2006, 2007 and 2008 was 1357.96 thousand m³, 1432.89 thousand m³ and 1452.66 thousand m³, respectively, and the corresponding energy potential was 29.87 GJ, 31.52 GJ and 31.96 GJ, respectively. If this energy potential can be developed in order to meet the demand for energy, it can reduce the pressure on natural forests, the impact on human health, especially of women and children, and the amount of greenhouse gas emissions.